Open-air treatment is the most approved method of cure. Rest is a most important part of the open-air treatment, and exercise must be regulated by the doctor. Always have at hand an extra wrap, and never remain out if chilled. Cold weather should have a bracing effect, and when it does not, go into a warm room and get a hot drink, preferably milk, remaining indoors until comfortably warm. When going out again use more wraps, and keep behind a shield or screen that breaks the force of the wind, Always be cheerful and hopeful; never waste your strength in anger or by being cross. Lead a temperate life, go to bed early and get up late; do not use alcohol in any form except when prescribed by your doctor. Do away with tobacco if possible, and use only weak tea and coffee in small quantities. Never swallow the matter coughed up, but always destroy every particle by spitting in a paper or cloth which can be burned. Never allow the hands, face or clothing to be soiled by sputum, and if this happens by accident, wash the place soiled with soap and hot water. Men who have consumption should not wear a mustache or beard unless it is trimmed close. Particular care must be taken, when sneezing and coughing, to hold in the hands before the face a cloth which can be burned. Soiled bed-clothes, night-dresses, other washable garments and personal linen should be handled as little as possible until they are boiled prior to their being washed. The dishes used by the patient must be boiled after each meal.
That tuberculosis is particularly fatal to the working men may be clearly seen from the fact that at least one-third of the deaths during the chief working period of life are caused by pulmonary tuberculosis. Every other workman who becomes incapacitated must ascribe his condition to consumption. Dr. Lawrence F. Flick says: “Tuberculosis is peculiarly a disease of the wage-workers, and this is so for the very good reason that one of the causes of the disease is overwork.” In some trades, such as the metal polishers, brass workers, and stone workers, from 35 to 50 per cent. of all deaths are caused by tuberculosis. Dusty trades are particularly dangerous.
Appropriations of over $4,000,000 for the suppression of consumption have been made by twenty-eight State Legislatures in session during 1909, according to a statement issued to-day by the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis.
In 1909–10, forty-three State and Territorial Legislatures were in session. Of this number, 28 passed laws pertaining to tuberculosis; eight others considered such legislation, and in only seven States no measures about consumption were presented. In all, 101 laws relating to the prevention or treatment of human tuberculosis were considered, and out of this number 64 were passed.
PERCENTAGE OF DEATHS FROM TUBERCULOSIS PER 100,000 WITH RELATIVE MORTALITY PERCENTAGE OF WHITE AND COLORED POPULATION
That the “white plague,” as it is often called, is a national concern is shown by the map on next page.
In 1909, out of the $8,180,621.50 spent for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, $4,362,750.03 was spent from public money, and $3,817,871.47 from funds voluntarily contributed. For the carrying on of State, Federal and municipal tuberculosis work in 1910, over $9,000,000 has been appropriated. Of this sum, the State Legislatures have granted $4,100,000, the municipal and county bodies, $3,975,500, and the Federal Government, $1,000,000.
About 800,000 women under the Health Department of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in every State and Territory of the United States are banded together against this disease, and more than 2,000 clubs are taking a special interest in the crusade. Not less than $500,000 is raised annually by them for tuberculosis work, besides millions that are secured through their efforts in State and municipal appropriations.
